Recovery
let’s talk about
Feeling Tired
After Stroke
After a stroke, almost all stroke survivors feel
tired or some type of fatigue at some point.
Stroke survivors often must work harder to
make up for the loss of normal functions
(such as being unable to use an arm or hand).
But you’ll probably start feeling less tired after
a few months. For some people, tiredness
may continue for years after a stroke, but they
usually find ways to make the most of the
energy they have.
Why am I so tired?
It’s important to pinpoint what’s causing you to be
tired. Then you can take action to manage it. Consult
with your healthcare provider to rule out any medical
conditions that might cause tiredness or make it
worse. You may feel tired after a stroke for four
major reasons:
• You may have less energy than before because of
sleeping poorly, not getting enough exercise, poor
nutrition or the side effects of some of the medicine.
• You have as much energy as before, but you’re using
it differently. Because of the effects of your stroke,
things, like dressing, talking or walking, take a lot
more effort. Changes in thinking and memory take
more concentration. You have to stay “on alert” all
the time — and this takes energy.
• You also may feel tired due to emotional changes.
Coping with frustration, anxiety, anger and sadness
can be draining. Depressed feelings are common
after a stroke. Often, loss of energy, interest or
enthusiasm occurs along with a depressed mood.
• You may feel tired because of depression.
Depression is very common after a stroke. Clinical
depression is a treatable illness that happens to many
stroke survivors. Symptoms include significant
lack of energy, lack of motivation, and problems
concentrating or finding enjoyment in anything.
Talk to your doctor about an evaluation for clinical
depression if tiredness continues. There is nothing to
be ashamed of if you are feeling depressed. It is very
common, and the good news is that it is treatable!
How can I increase my energy?
• Tell your doctor how you are feeling and make sure
you have had an up-to-date physical. Your doctor can
evaluate any medical reasons for your tiredness. He
or she can also check to see if your fatigue could be
a side effect of your medication.
(continued)
Recovery
Feeling Tired After Stroke
• Celebrate your successes. Give yourself credit when
you accomplish something. Look at your progress,
not at what’s left to be done.
• Try naps, or schedule rest periods throughout the
day. Rest as long as you need to feel refreshed.
• Learn to relax. Sometimes the harder you try to
do something, the harder it is to do. You become
tense, anxious and frustrated. All this takes more
energy. Being relaxed lets you use your energy
more efficiently.
• Do something you enjoy every day. A positive attitude
or experience helps a lot to boost energy levels.
• Be social. It is very important that you get back into
the “swing of things” and stay involved with friends
and family. Go out into the community and interact
with friends, family and other people.
• Physical activity is important. With permission
from your doctor, consider joining a health and
wellness program.
Being with family and friends may provide that energy boost you need.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-4787653) to learn more about stroke or
find local support groups, or visit
StrokeAssociation.org.
Sign up to get Stroke Connection
magazine, a free magazine for
stroke survivors and caregivers at
strokeconnection.org.
Connect with others sharing similar
journeys with stroke by joining our Support
Network at strokeassociation.org/
supportnetwork.
Do you have
questions for the
doctor or nurse?
My Quest ion s:
Take a few minutes to
write your questions for
the next time you see
your healthcare provider.
For example:
What can I do to
decrease my tiredness?
Could clinical depression
be causing my
tiredness?
Are the medicines I take
causing my fatigue?
We have many other fact sheets to help you make healthier choices to reduce your risk, manage
disease or care for a loved one. Visit strokeassociation.org/letstalkaboutstroke to learn more.
©2015, American Heart Association